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Hamas reviewing Israeli response to US-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 May 2025 14:56

Hamas is reviewing "Israel’s" response, although it fails to meet any of the Palestinian demands, according to a senior official.

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Israeli tanks taking position next to a humanitarian aid packages distribution center delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by "Israel", in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Thursday, May 29, 2025 (AP)

The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has received the Israeli response to an American proposal for a Gaza ceasefire deal and is thoroughly reviewing it, the Palestinian group's official, Basem Naim, announced on Friday.

Naim told Reuters that "Israel's" response fails to meet any of the Palestinian "just and legitimate demands."

On Thursday, the White House said "Israel" had agreed to a new Gaza ceasefire proposal submitted to Hamas and claimed that the Palestinian Resistance group rejected the plan, saying it failed to meet key demands.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that US President Donald Trump and envoy Steve Witkoff had submitted the proposal to Hamas, noting that “Israel signed off on this proposal before it was sent.” She added that talks with Hamas were ongoing.

"Israel" has not independently confirmed that it approved the most recent version of the ceasefire deal.

Hamas rejects US-backed ceasefire terms

Naim pointed out that the new version meant "the continuation of killing and famine... and does not meet any of our people's demands, foremost among them halting the war."

Still, he noted that Hamas' leadership was examining the proposal “with full national responsibility.”

A source close to the Palestinian group said the revised deal represented “a retreat” from earlier terms, which had reportedly included a US commitment to permanent ceasefire negotiations.

Details of ceasefire and prisoner exchange plan

According to sources involved in the negotiations, the new proposal outlines a 60-day truce, extendable to 70 days. In the first week, it would involve the release of 10 living captives and nine bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

The ceasefire discussions come as the Israeli war on Gaza, now in its 20th month, shows no sign of resolution, since "Israel" resumed its aggression on the Palestinian enclave in March following a two-month truce.

Gaza war toll rises as ceasefire negotiations stall

Of the 251 captives, 57 are believed to remain in Gaza, including 34 that the Israeli military considers dead.

Since "Israel" resumed its war on March 18, at least 3,986 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. This brings the total death toll in the territory to 54,249, most of whom are civilians.